In a landmark move on Monday, October 13, the Uttarakhand Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved a range of progressive proposals aimed at governance reform, urban development, and public welfare. The meeting, held at the Secretariat and lasting over three hours, cleared approximately eight key decisions, signaling a proactive push for bureaucratic efficiency and inclusive growth.
Major Boost for Women and Child Development Sector
One of the most significant decisions came in the form of amendments to the Uttarakhand Women and Child Development Subordinate Supervisor Service Rules 2021. In alignment with the Government of India’s guidelines, all mini Anganwadi centres across Uttarakhand will now be upgraded to full-fledged Anganwadi centres. As a result, the promotion quota for Anganwadi workers has been increased from 40% to 50%, by integrating the 10% quota previously reserved for mini Anganwadi workers. This change is expected to enhance service delivery and open up greater promotional opportunities for frontline workers in the sector.
Freeze Zone Relaxation Brings Hope to Raipur Residents
A key urban development reform was also approved for Dehradun’s Raipur area, where the state assembly complex is being constructed. The region had been declared a “freeze zone,” restricting new constructions. The Cabinet has now approved minor construction within this zone, permitting low-density houses and small shops, subject to standards and guidelines to be issued by the Housing Development Department. This move balances infrastructural planning with the needs of local residents.
Uniform Civil Code: Inclusive Amendments for Cross-Border Citizens
In a step towards an inclusive civil code, the Cabinet approved crucial amendments to online marriage registration under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Besides Aadhaar, the Nepali and Bhutanese citizenship certificates and valid documentation from their respective missions in India will now be accepted. For Tibetan-origin residents, registration certificates issued by the Foreigners Registration Officer will be recognized. These changes aim to streamline legal formalities for cross-border communities with strong cultural ties to the state.
Promotion and Transfer Reforms for State Employees
In an effort to enhance administrative efficiency, the Cabinet has approved amendments for relaxation in qualifying service for inter-departmental promotions. Under the Personnel Department, employees who complete 50% of their service in a particular cadre will now be eligible for one-time relaxation in rules when switching to a higher post in another department.
Additionally, for the Medical Health and Medical Education Department, health workers and supervisors will now be permitted one mutual transfer after five years of satisfactory service. Transfers from hills to plains (and vice versa) will also be allowed depending on vacancies, with guidelines to be developed soon. This is expected to improve workforce distribution and retention in remote areas.
State Silver Jubilee Session Approved
Marking 25 years of Uttarakhand’s establishment, the Cabinet has decided to hold a special session of the Fifth Legislative Assembly. The Chief Minister has been authorized to determine suitable dates. This session is expected to reflect on the state’s journey and chart a roadmap for future growth.
Public Sector Undertakings to Share Profits with State
In a move aimed at fiscal strengthening, the Cabinet approved a policy under which all state-run public sector undertakings (PSUs) will now contribute 15% of their post-tax profits to the state government. This will enhance resource mobilization for developmental projects across Uttarakhand.
